Crais, who acknowledges Robert B. Parker as one of his inspirations, this time offers a Parker-size novel, which reader Daniels delivers at just under eight hours. What the book lacks in length, with Daniels' help, it makes up for in sustained energy and tension. A tale more of action-adventure than mystery, it finds private eye Elvis Cole trying to free a young couple kidnapped by ruthless Mexican bandits and getting captured himself. It's left to his relentless, ultra-efficient partner Joe Pike and an almost-asadept pal to track down the human traffickers and help Cole set things straight. Aside from being a riveting entertainment, performed with proper vigor by Daniels, Taken serves as evidence that often when it comes to suspense novels, less is more.

Dick Lochte

Crais, who acknowledges Robert B. Parker as one of his inspirations, this time offers a Parker-size novel, which reader Daniels delivers at just under eight hours. What the book lacks in length, with Daniels' help, it makes up for in sustained energy and tension. A tale more of action-adventure than mystery, it finds private eye Elvis Cole trying to free a young couple kidnapped by ruthless Mexican bandits and getting captured himself. It's left to his relentless, ultra-efficient partner Joe Pike and an almost-asadept pal to track down the human traffickers and help Cole set things straight. Aside from being a riveting entertainment, performed with proper vigor by Daniels, Taken serves as evidence that often when it comes to suspense novels, less is more.